Researchers from the University of Oxford and NTU Singapore have discovered a new process called nucleophagy that helps cells repair damaged DNA. This finding is particularly relevant for patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatments.
The team, reporting in the journal Cell, found that this natural cellular cleaning mechanism involves a protein called TEX264. In response to chemotherapy-induced DNA lesions, the body expresses TEX264, which guides the lesions to the cell’s waste disposal system, where they are broken down and destroyed.
Using advanced techniques, including biochemical, cell biological, and bioinformatics tools, as well as zebrafish animal models and patient materials, the researchers confirmed that nucleophagy is crucial for repairing damaged DNA.
This study provides new insights into a pathway for cells to repair DNA damage, which could lead to improved cancer treatments and better outcomes for patients in the future.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-09-international-team-cells-dna.html